Budget cuts

We're ALL aware that our economy is in a bit of a slump. And yes, like others, I am more observant and conservative about how I spend my money. BUT...I still shop. I think spending is how we are going to jump start our economy. However, for now, I feel that how I spend my money really matters. I am going to shop, but I want to shop in a way that is going to give me more "bang for my buck"!

Here are a few tips on how to get the most return on your fashion investments.

1. Buy key pieces: If your budget allows you to have designer goods from head to toe, that's great. But if it doesn't, I recommend putting your money into 3 categories:
a. Handbag: The initial investment on a handbag can be pricey -- but think about it. It's something you use EVERYDAY! A handbag makes a statement about you and your personal style. Best of all it's not a seasonal purchase -- it won't go out of style. If you get tired of it, sell it on ebay or craigslist. You can recoup some of the initial money you invested and reinvest it into to a new one!
b. Shoes: This is another category that you can wear daily. Well made, well designed shoes
should be worn and re-worn as much as possible. You may not be able to wear the same dress 4 times a week, but that rule does not apply to shoes. And when they start to wear out, you can polish and resole your shoes and BAM, they look brand new!
c. Coat: Here is another piece that will stand the test of time. It's a finishing piece to your outfit. Again, it's not really a trend piece so it can live in your closet for years. Whether you pick a trench, a coat in a basic black or even one in a fashion color, your coat is also a statement piece that can be worn over and over.

These are investments pieces. Money well spent. The best thing is that when you spend extra in these categories you can fudge everything in between.

2. Buy things that can be worn in multiple ways: Look for garments that can offer you 2 looks for the price of one. When buying a top/blouse, make sure it can be worn with trousers for a more sophisticated evening look or worn with denim for a more casual look. Shop for dresses that are versatile enough to be worn with flats during the day and with heels in the evening.

3. Accessorize: In this economy, it might be a good time to spend money on accessories such as jewelry, belts, scarves etc. Focus on basic clothing that can be reinvented by mixing interesting jewelry and accessories. This is a sure fire way to bring life to your basics. You can continue to reinvent an outfit by mixing up your accessories.

4. If a garment does not serve an immediate need in your closet, don't buy it. Buy things that you can wear today. Gone are the days of buying and saving clothes for an occasion that MIGHT pop up on your social calendar. Shop for clothes that either fill an immediate void in your wardrobe or that you love so much you will wear it the next day. If you don't have a pending cocktail event, then you may want to pass on buying a sequin dress, even if it is on sale.

Brazilian Blowout

One of my favorite customers, JC, was in the other day. It started with a show and tell. She brought in a GORGEOUS Narciso Rodriguez dress she purchased for an event -- it was timeless and current all at the same time. Ahhhhhh, Narciso! After the show and tell we got to chatting, as we often do. JC told me about the Brazilian Blowout. Immediately my mind went to some rather interesting places. My first thought was a new and improved bikini hair removal process? Nope.

The Brazilian Blowouts is a treatment for hair (on your head, just to clarify) similar to the Japanese straightening technique except that the BB does not completely straighten your hair. "The hair still has plenty of volume and body and can still be worn curly or wavy. The Brazilian just softens whatever curl or wave you have. If the hair is air dried without a blow dryer, it will still have wave or curl but no frizz." BB is recommended for curly, wavy, damaged or color treated hair. The 60 to 90 minute treatment focuses on adding moisture to your hair instead of stripping it away.

I blow dry my hair every time I wash it. Then I smooth the fly-a-ways with a curling iron. Needless to say, it's a cumbersome process! There have been many crazed moments when I was half way to the salon to have the Japanese Straightening treatment done, but the thought of stick straight hair didn't appeal to me. I need some volume in my hair. After reading up on this process, I think I'll be the next in line to try it out!

Latest EDITION

The Westfield Mall, Union Square San Francisco, is the new home to Banana Republic's accessory store "Edition". I'm not sure if this is a test store designed to get a feel for consumer interest or if it is intended to be a single stand alone store. For now, it's the only one it's kind so I peaked in to see what the buzz is all about.

Edition is a small boutiquish space filled with scarves, hats, eyewear, shoes, fragrance and of course jewelry. And though they had a good size selection of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings -- I wasn't blown away. Quite a bit of their selection is currently available at Banana Republic. I found that to be confusing. I was expecting a whole new look and all new product. If that wasn't the intention, then why not just add a bigger selection of product to the existing website?

On a positive note, the jewelry was displayed in a way that was inviting and easy to try on. There was a nice selection of Indian inspired jewelry, rich in yellow gold and semi precious stones. Prices varied -- the most expensive piece I saw was $250. For the most part the prices are reasonable though I didn't feel compelled to buy anything. BUT, if you find something you like and you spend over $75 between June 1 - June 15, you will receive a letter intial charm for free!

On the Go

I don't know about you, but it seems like I'm CONSTANTLY running errands. Between grocery shopping, picking up the dry cleaning, running to the bank, getting the car washed, picking up shoes at the at Nordstrom's half yearly sale, (FYI -- the walnut creek location has a pretty good selection of designer handbags. Lots of Valentino, marni etc. on sale! Plus they are pre-selling gucci handbags.) it always seems that there are umpteen thousand tasks that need to be done.

Most of my errands just pop up and need to be done, immediately. I usually just throw something on and run out the door. And since the sporty look is not my forte you can imagine my frustration. But come on, I'm NOT going to Bed Bath and Beyond in heels (oooh, I love these).

I've been coveting these BEAUTIFUL Lanvin satin kicks for some time now. They're sweet, and sporty, and, hip, and timeless all in one, AND they're tennis shoes so my feet will be well taken care of. These shoes are the perfect finishing touch to jeans, cropped pants, a short skirt or even a jersey dress.

I visit barneys.com almost daily to see if these little beauties have gone on sale. With all things that I "need", can you blame me?

Ringseclectic

I love jewelry (among many other things), and I have collected a lot over the years -- I know, shocking! And though my collection is ever growing, I pretty much wear the same combination of jewelry, ever day. Boring as it may be, it's true. The only thing that changes, almost daily, is the cocktail ring I wear on my right hand. Cocktail rings have this way of adding a little something extra to your daily ensemble. At the very least, it makes a great conversation piece!

A few weeks ago I stumbled on and then quickly scooped up a new line that makes fantastic rings -- Ringsecelctic! Lucky for me they are based here in the Bay Area so I was able to visit the collection and meet with Melanie the designer, in person. The best part is that Melanie and her mother hand make each and every ring! I was so impressed -- these days it's so rare to find beautiful things that are still made by the designer herself! If the rings aren't enough to make you fall in love, Melanie also has an amazing selection of one of a kind necklaces.

Needless to say, I couldn't resist and so I've ordered these amazing rings for iniam. AND for myself, of course!

Here's a Clu

I just got back from a relaxing week in Texas! For those of you wondering, "why Texas?" -- it's where I grew up. Truth be told, I love it there! I mean I love Cali, but Texas was my first home, so naturally I'm attached. And of course there are things about growing up in Texas that I'm still very fond of. For example, I love drinking ice tea! Back home, water and ice tea are almost synonymous. And it's not "raspberry" ice tea or "mango" ice tea...it's just ice tea. I love eating Tex-Mex...who doesn't love queso? I'm not referring to the literal spanish word meaning cheese, rather the Tex-Mex word which refers to hot liquid cheese mixed with salsa and/or avocado.

There are an infinite amount of things I could list about what I love...but my next favorite thing is that women there like to get dressed up. I'm not saying that women in Texas are setting runway trends. Heck, I saw some women at the airport I wanted to push into the ladies bathroom so I could do a quick style consult. Having said that, in general, women in Texas dress up for "regular" activities. Going to dinner, the movies, shopping or just out for coffee -- getting dolled up is not a big deal. No one looks at you funny if you wear a long dress and heels to run errands.

I can do casual, I just have to think about it. I'd be more myself in a prom dress than in a sweat suit. I wish I was one of those girls who could throw on a pair of yoga pants, a cute sweater, sunglasses, hip flip flops and be ready to go. I try..I do. I set my mind out to buy James Perse and I come back with a cocktail dress. Where am I going to wear a cocktail dress to? With 2 little dudes in my life, I'm pretty much wearing that cocktail dress to watch Thomas the Tank Engine with my 3 year old!

BUT...now I have hope or better yet I have Clu. Clu is a great line for tshirts, dresses, tanks, leggings, cardigans and so much more. The line adds great detail to what would normally be considered an ordinary garment. A tshirt that may have been overlooked now makes an impression. I love the velvet trim, or chiffon sleeves or ruffled neckline that adds a little something special. Clu is a great way to do casual and still look effortlessly put together.You can play it down, or like someone I know...ahem, ahem, you can put it together with skinny pants/jeans and heels (or flats/sandals if it's "thomas" time) and you are casual and stylish all in one.

So come on YA'LL, give it a try! Oh, and you guessed it....iniam's got it!

Game Plan

I've been writing this blog for a little while now, and I have to say I love writing it! The blog is evolving and I'm continually trying to figure out what my readers are looking for. As much as I enjoy writing, I haven't exactly been consistent. I thought my poor husband was my only reader, so I've become a little loosey goosey about blogging.

Over the last few weeks, I've learned that perhaps I may have a few more readers than just my husband. It thrills me to know this and so I owe it my readers to blog more often. So here's the new plan: I will put up new posts every monday, wednesday and friday. I'll touch on style, trends, tips and tricks and my personal fashion must haves or whatever else is on my mind. BUT, what I am really hoping for is that you guys will send me questions, thoughts, ideas on all things fashionable. If you aren't sure what to wear to a day wedding, write me? If you have a limited budget and want to know what key piece to buy for the season, write me. If you are having trouble finding silhouettes that fit your body, write me. If you wonder if the NuBra really works, write me!

I often get questions through iniam about colors, trends, styling, accessories, fit. I feel that this blog may be the best forum on how to share some of those things with all of you. So don't be shy. Drop me a line...in the meantime, I will have new things for you to read through out the week!

I write, you read (i hope), you ask, I share. Deal?

Well, I'm knee deep in grout, tile, faucets, sinks and paint -- we FINALLY decided to remodel our bathroom! I've been dying to start this remodel project since we moved in almost 41/2 years ago. My bathroom may be clean and it does it's job, but there are NO bells and whistles. Let's just say I like the garage better than the bathroom. But, according to the contractor, in two LONG weeks, we will have a brand new bathroom. I want to say it will be beautiful and zen and my escape from the circus in my home, but what do I know about picking tile. Ask me about what shoes to buy, and well, we could be here for days. I'd like to think I have a semi decent design aesthetic, but I'm visual. I don't know if the soap box should be in the middle of the shower or off centered so that we have an overtly custom looking bathroom. What the heck am I talking about?

The one thing I do know is that I LOVE taking showers. Frankly, having an inviting bathroom is more important to me than a beautiful kitchen. My time in the bathroom is my escape. I love long showers and soft lighting. Heck, if I had it my way, I would have a gigantic bathroom with a steam shower and a sauna and a huge tub and a beautiful shower with a big bench and my own sink. I would also have lots of fancy potions and lotions to make me feel like I just got back from the spa. My bathroom won't be huge and we certainly won't have a sauna, but I will have Claus Porto soaps!

These fragrant soaps are 100% natural, vegetable based and concentrated with shea butter. The "soap bar that lasts forever" is milled 7 times so that there is no cracking or splitting and the fragrance lasts until the very end of the bar! Imagine smelling like almond, honeysuckle, sandalwood, rose, fig, tuberose...I'm only listing a few of the many fragrances.

I'm not sure how my bathroom is going to turn out, but I do know that I will have a soap box. And in my glass tiled soap box I will have Claus Porto soaps -- rose and sandalwood to be exact.

Make a Splash

I'm a summer baby. Oh man were my childhood birthday parties the best! What can beat swimming all day followed by pepperoni pizza and cookie cake? Maybe a Marni clutch -- I digress. I have fond memories of my mom taking me shopping for my summer swimsuits. Those days it was all about looking good while IN the water. Although I'm still excited about looking fabulous in the pool, I'm even more excited about looking fabulous while sipping cocktails, pool side. Ok, maybe I'll be sipping ice tea and with 2 little kids instead of "sitting" it'll be more like "chasing" but either way, I want a gorgeous swim suit.

It can't be just any swimsuit. It has to be comfortable, offer proper "bum" coverage and be in a color/print that represents you. And of course, who better to offer you all that but Trink Turk?! Oh girls, it's almost too good to be true. But it is true! And it's beautiful and it fits well and it's well priced! Whether you want a 2 piece or 1 piece, you will find a suit in vibrant colors and prints that will surely fit your body and your sense of style. Trina's swim line also offers a variety or cover ups and beach bags to add to your ensemble. What else can you ask for?

I couldn't wait for my birthday. I already gifted myself a Trina swimsuit (it's a one piece and yes, it's sexy) . BUT, if you bump into my husband and he's not sure what to get his summer babe -- tell him to it rhymes with "barni flutch".

Marky "MARC" and the Funky Bunch!

We just slashed the prices on our beloved Marc. Yup, 50% off ALL spring clothing! Trenches, dresses, shorts, tees and so much more. It's all the favorites that you have been coveting this season!

At half the price, you can get twice as much!

Who Needs a Tan?

It finally feels like spring is here! And though the idea of being sun kissed sounds wonderful, I'm not one to sit on my patio and tan. Instead, I've started slathering self tanning lotion to my pasty white legs to get them ready to for their spring debut. I'd like to think that it's my newly tanned legs that everyone will be admiring, but it's really ALL about the dress. And it's not just any dress, it's the Verana dress by Calypso. My heart skips a beat just thinking about it.

I'm not sure what to be more excited about? The color, the fabric or the beautiful floppy flowers that run from the front of the dress to the back. And if that wasn't enough, the silk is washable! Hand wash and line dry. We have the dress in "limencello" right now. It's a BEAUTIFUL shade of bright yellow that looks great on any skin color.

Whether you are attending a dinner party, a wedding or you just feel like wearing something beautiful, this dress is the perfect statement piece. What's the statement you ask? Duh..."it's spring and I'm gorgeous". No tanning lotion can say that!

Fresh for Fall

After traveling, and what seems like weeks of assessing, scrutinizing, guessing and tabulating...the orders for fall clothing have been submitted. Sounds crazy right? It's barely been warm enough to justify shaving my legs for skirts and dresses and already I'm buying coats and sweaters for October!

It was an exciting trip to LA. Not only did the fall line up look good, I picked up a few designers I can't wait to debut. I must say that Fall is not what I expected. Mostly because I thought it would follow suit with Spring. Clothing has definitely been more figure conscious this season. Let's just say if you are 6 months post giving birth, don't hold your breath on finding baggy silhouettes to mask the aftermath. Let's face it, it's just not my season. On the other hand, enter fall '09 and it's a whole new ball game. Baggy, baggier, baggiest. Rather consistently, I kept seeing oversized sweaters, tshirts, tunics and even dresses that had an amorphic shape. To counter balance the looser tops, EVERY designer is doing their version of a SKINNY pant. Whether it's a riding pant, or leggings with zippers or some sort of ankle embellishment...it's all about tight on bottom and loose and flowy on top. Loose and lovely is where it's at this fall! BUT, if 'bigger is better' does NOT define your sense of style, don't worry! Designers have put together collections that also showcase clothing with a classic fit.

All this makes me wonder what the next big trend will be...boots with a peep toe?! (That's a whole other entry.)

Trina Turk and Marc by Marc Jacobs TRUNK SHOW!!!

Let's be honest. Do any of us really need an excuse to shop? Not me. It does make shopping that much more exhilarating when you get what you love with a discount and a give-a-way! What could be better than 30% off spring collections by Trina Turk and Marc by Marc Jacobs? How about the debut of Trina Turk swimwear and Trina Turk home. PLUS....drumm roll please...be one the first to preview and PRE-ORDER Trina Turk's fall collection!!! As if new pieces for you and your home weren't enough, receive 20% off beautiful shoes by Deliciouz and 15% of dazzling jewels by ila and i.

Come join me on the 11th for an all day shopping fest!

Who Are You Dressing For?

I think it's safe to say, women dress for women. If we were dressing for men, we would just be naked. Ha! Seriously though, who else is going to notice things like your cocktail ring, the lace detail on your dress, the sole of your heel (viva christian louboutin) or the fact that your "ensemble" hit all of this seasons trends? Who you ask, yup...it's the girls you are going to see at tonight's dinner party! And it doesn't just stop at your clothes, the same girls will also notice whether your skin looks like its glowing or if its dry and patchy. Guys on the other hand don't care if your sexy sandals are Miu Miu or Payless.

Having said all that, I don't think women are so shallow as to ONLY dress for the reaction of other women. I'd like to think that we buy and wear what we love, and what we feel is true to our personal sense of style -- at least that's how it should be. BUT, think about it. Why do we spend so much time thinking, prepping, coordinating outfits? If it's really just about pleasing ourselves then who cares if we wear the same outfit 2 days in a row?

Whether someone else notices or not, there is no denying that adrenaline rush you get when YOU know you look your best (if someone notices, all the better)! There is definitely a link between looking good and feeling good. I walk taller and "feel" prettier when I wear something that I'm excited about. The excitement may come from color, fabric, detail, fit. AND just because I work with designer contemporary clothing doesn't mean it's about the "label". I get that same rush knowing I rocked Banana Republic as I do from wearing Malene Birger. So, whether you do it for yourself or for the "girls", look your best!